The 10 Best Metal Detector To Buy This Year

There, answering this question is near to impossible, as there are many different factors to consider.

With technology advancing at the speed of light, new models are being constantly released on to the market.

But If I am to pick my number one metal detector, I will go with this one here.

I realize that you may have landed on this page meaning a few different things so I have separated this post into sections below, trying to answer all possible meanings for what is the best metal detector?

If I was answering this question based on ratings given on the internet then here is the information I have gathered from sites like Amazon, Joan Allen, and Regton.

I have put them into the top 3 or 4 in their respective user levels.

Best Metal Detectors

Really sorry everyone, this page got broken after a website update, I’ll recreate the content and add it for you. It should be ready by the end of the next week.

What is the best metal detector for the UK?

There are many different models of metal detectors, that are designed specifically for different terrains. Will you be searching in the land, in fields and pastures, and the woods etc, will you be searching the beach on wet sand? Or perhaps you are looking for a metal detector that is capable of handling all terrains. It’s always better to try and answer this question initially before you find the best metal detector.

When we ask the question “what is the best metal detector?”, what we really should be thinking about is what is going to be the best metal detector for YOU, thinking about what flexibility you want, how much mobility, what features it has and most importantly focused on the location and climate weather.

What can you afford? Do you have a budget? If you are a beginner and just starting out, then is it better to try with a less expensive detector until you know if it is a hobby you will stick with? Again this is another very important factor as with different budgets you will have different options.

Who will be using the metal detector?

Is the metal detector just for you to use, or is it a metal detector for a kid, or someone with restricted mobility be using the detector?

Do you need something that is light and easy to handle?

What I would suggest you do if you are trying to find the best metal detector for you personally is take a pen an paper and ask yourself some of these questions first, and write down what you are looking for. So for example, a lightweight metal detector for beach detecting with a budget of £150 – £200. Try to remember in your budget you may need headphones, digging tools and attire. Once you have done this then you can look for the best metal detector for you.

Some good things to remember while making the decision are:

Try and stick with well known established manufacturers, like Garrett, Minelab, Tesoro, Bounty Hunter, White’s, XP, Teknetics etc

Avoid fakes and buy from a reputable source where your purchase is covered. Amazon, eBay, Regton, Joan Allen to name a few.

Length of Warranty and Guarantee.

What is the best metal detector for searching inland in the UK?

Based on a little research from friends, forums, Facebook pages and other customer reviews from around the internet the evidence would suggest the X-Terra 705 to be the most popular and successful metal detector.

What is the best metal detector for searching for the beach in the UK?

Again basing this on experience, word of mouth, forums, other websites and Facebook and Twitter mentions the AT Pro would probably be the most popular for these conditions. You should read this post for a more detailed review of beach metal detectors.

Summary

To summarise it all does really depend on what you are asking, like in all aspects of life it is a matter of preference what might be the best to someone else may not be the best for you.

You have to also consider the fact that luck plays a role in peoples choices. There have been many large valuable and huge finds of historical importance found with beginner metal detectors like the Garrett Ace 150 which wasn’t included in my list because there’s the upgraded version the Garrett Ace 250 model.

Does it mean it is the best metal detector because somebody once became a millionaire with this detector? Certainly not.

We all have different needs in life, and we all have our own opinions. What is the best metal detector, is a question that causes many debates, and much banter among friends and associates.

Ask yourself what you want from a metal detector, apart from it to find the biggest hoard ever known to mankind.

Do some research and read some metal detector reviews. If you would like any help in choosing then please feel free to drop me an email with what you are looking for, and I will try to advise you to the best of my knowledge. We don’t sell metal detectors here so you can rest assured that the advice we will give you is totally unbiased.

What is your favorite metal detector and why? Please leave a comment below.

Related

I’m one of the founders of this blog. A 32 yr old from Lincolnshire & proud father of 3 beautiful children. My first metal detector was a garret ace 150 but I am currently using the Garrett ace 400i. My best find was a roman coin. Feel free to ask me any questions.

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jason callaghan - December 30, 2016

you seem to have over looked the makro racer 1 and 2 more european sales than a lot of other brands new innoative design and tech applications for price of other high end machines

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Thanks for your input. I will do more research on the makro and see what I can find. I have not personally used a makro before and don’t have much experience with them. But, I will research them and add more information on them. Thanks again

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Thanks for your advice – very useful as I set out to buy my first metal detector. However as a woman, I was interested in your comment ‘!s the metal detector just for you to use, or is it a metal detector for a kid, lady, or someone with restricted mobility be using the detector’ Do I need to consider my gender when buying one?

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Hi , i am going to Australia for 3 months travelling and want to take a metal detector with me . I want somthing primary for gold but want to use it on beaches etc back in west sussex. What can you recommend

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Thanks for compoling this information. As a woman, however, I resented being automatically put in the same category with kids or people with reduced mobility. Most women are not the weak , fragile beings men would like to believe them to be.

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I am very sorry if the post came out wrong. I included this because I get a vast amount of emails from site users, ladies included asking about which metal detectors to buy. One of the main features they ask about is for a metal detector that is light and easy to carry around.

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Hi, I’ve just started back into metal detecting, now retired, and got out my C-Scope from the wardrobe, I’ve had this model for a number of years now, but hardly used it, now I find it a bit heavy in the field and complicated. Could you recommend a detector to take it’s place. I was hoping to part exchange it if possible, thanks.

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Hi Steve, Your article has been very helpful and your thoughts on which questions to ask yourself about what you want in a metal detector have led me to the following answers:

Use: all terrains User: amateur Cost: £250 max Waterproof Depth readings no further than 3 ft Sturdy – unlikely to be replaced with a newer model in the future as I’m only interested in finding a balance between a hobby and fun for the family – so a certain amount of durability is preferable. Technologically helpful: if it can help pick out coins over nails then a certain level of discerning detecting technology would make it more fun for the family…..if that makes sense?

Anyway, with the above considerations in mind, I wonder, if you have the time and it’s not too much trouble, you could advise the most suitable detector?

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hi. I want to metal detect on a sandy beach for mainly jewllers and coins (money). I have budget of around 150 to 300 pounds. will the barret euro ace (or simular)will do. I have heard they are not good on wet sand. please reply soon. vince…

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Really new to all this and was hoping for a bit of help – I’m looking for a Metal detector for under £100 and was hoping you could recommend a few if possible to go out and have a bit of fun with my daughter and if we both enjoy it more and more then invest in a better one. – I appreciate your not going to get loads for under £100 but I want something that will find some items underground.

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Hello Steve What a wonderful approach you have. Thank you. I am pleased that you have remembered that as a grandmother, and quite petite, and with no longer the full strength I had when I was younger, what do you recommend please, for the woods and fields, for buried coins and other treasures. Budget no object. Thank you.

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Considering that you want something lightweight and that you have the experience with this kind of equipment I would go with Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector because it has a big advantage in the woods and fields. Moreover, it has only 5 pounds (~2.26 kg) which is lightweight compared with other metal detectors.

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hi steve just wondered now makro and nokta have joint forces if you have played with the contravesial impact is this end of days for the deus with true die hardcore detectorists interested on your comments

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I am a complete novice and I am looking for a detector that I can use in woodlands and fields. I have no plans to work the beaches but it would be nice if I had the option. The Garret 400i looks promising as well as the X Terra 705 although the latter seems a bit trickier to use. I’m also looking for an up to date book on the subject – relevant to the UK.

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Since you plan to use it in UK, from those two I’ll go with X Terra 705 because it’s light (2.9 pounds) you could use on the beach, woodlands and fields without a problem. It’s not a fully waterproof metal detector but the coil is which is more than enough for your needs.

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Hi, After looking at your web site I have decided to buy the Garrett Ace 250 for my husbands birthday. What ear phones would be the Best Buy . I think that they don’t come with the detector. He will be a beginner ..

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You are right, they don’t come with a pair of ear phones. Considering the model you decided to buy I think I have the right pair of headphones which will fit right away. The model is Garrett Metal Detectors Easy Stow and it’s made by the same company. Here’s a link to help you out http://amzn.to/2raZg1h

What a lovely idea of a present you have, I can bet your husband will love it!

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Hi, thanks for the great site and the many information you share, is very useful and I keep all your suggestions for make the right choice on purchase the right metal detector.

I am newbie and wish to get suggestion regarding metal detector made in China (don’t crucifix me!). I am not talking about cheap copies of most rinomate brand(Garret/Raider, GF2/Tecknics), but to consider if China has build a quality tool for the right price.

I am living in Dubai and here there is a big Chinese mall(DragonMart), the largest trading hub for Chinese products outside mainland China. I hate to admit that they sell anything, and in 3 different quality: cheap, fair and good. I love fishing and I can tell you I bought many equipment that still work perfect and compete with most rinomate brands. In electronic also for fish finders,drones, rc toys, etc.

My question is can you please comment the follow metal detector, it look pretty able to stand out of the crow with really reasonable price. There is even a new model MD6038, but I was not able to find online.

They sell even in Amazon, and the final price (here in Dubai) is only 51$ I was not able to find review of this product.

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Hi Steve, Great site, I’m looking to buy a metal detector for a specific purpose. My wife has lost a silver bracelet somewhere on the local allotments. This has left her distraught and me responsible some how. Can you recommend a inexpensive but effective metal detector to find a small silver bracelet. Thanks. Peter

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Hi Peter, I had to think for a while to decide what could be a good fit for your, to be inexpensive and effective at the same time. I would like to recommend you Bounty Hunter quick silver metal detector is good for depth in the range from 3″ to 6″, so you should be able to find a small silver bracelet with patience.

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Hi Steve, Many thanks for your helpful review — a quick question for you…I need a detector to find iron rebar stakes in a very heavy clay soil here in East Africa (I’m a scientist studying plants, and we use either rebar stakes or large nails to mark the positions of plants, but these get buried under soil when elephants step on them, or otherwise). I am guessing that I don’t need anything very sophisticated, but would love any recommendation you might have for such a basic use. Thanks much, Todd

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As an amateur detectorist who wants to start up my hobby again, I would like advice on a good intermediate detector with a very good visual indicator / colour screen etc. This is because I am deaf and wear hearing aids and as a result I find it difficult to hear certain sounds or even differentiate between tones! I am based in Hertfordshire and love looking for coins / jewellery. My budget is 600+

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Hi Jon, I’m glad to see that you want to get back to this hobby. For what you are looking and without relying too much on the sound I think there are only 2 options, one right in the buged and one more advanced that costs more.Garrett at pro is going to be great for what you need with a good depth and easy to use indicators. While Minelab ctx 3030 is more for the professionals and it’s harder to get used to.

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It’s a tricky question, I think that finding iron stakes will be easy with any detector, but you’ll have to watch out for humidity as well. This metal detector, Garrett ace 250 is cheap, has a good depth range, easy to use and will be ok with humidity.

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Hi Ross, That’s a good question, I think 300i just outperforms 250 in pretty much anything. It wasn’t included in this top because the model was too fresh and there weren’t enough reviews.

I included my own review, here’s just a short list of great things with the Garrett Ace 300i has a higher frequency to detect better than 250, there’s no need of a pointer (250 requires one) so you end up with the same price and it can do something new, to eliminate interference which will be really useful.

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Hi Tim, I’m glad you didn’t rush into buying something without doing research first, this is really crucial when you start this hobby. A bad metal detector could ruin the fun. For a novice, I’d suggest Garrett Ace 250 because it’s affordable and easy to get it ready to use for the fields. If you want to use a better model and a high-quality sound is a must have then Garrett 400i is the right decision, it’s like an upgrade for the 250 in every aspect, but it’s going to be a little more advanced to use. If you have the time please take a look at my both articles about Garrett Ace 250 and 400i as well.

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Hi Steve ,Im new to a metal detecting ,but im really interested for a long time.My question is , my budget is £400 max, which metal detector you would recomend to me? My plan is to search on the fields and on the beach as well.Thanks for any sugestion . With regards Milan

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Hello Milan, With that budget in mind and knowing that you would go to the beach as well, something that will last on high humidity is suggested. Having that in mind I think there are 3 options, Garrett Ace 250, the newer model 300i or Garrett Ace 400i, which is more advanced. I have created reviews for all of the models.

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Hi guys. Hope you give me a bit of advice on choosing an upgrade to my minelab explorer 2.I have been looking at xp deus and minelab ctx but I interested in anything that will do well on pasture as well as wet sand. Cheers Mark

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Hello Mark, Both of xp deus and minelab ctx will have no problems with pastures and will have a high frequency to detect well-buried objects. When it comes to wet sand and high humidity environment I’ll suggest going with the Minelab ctx 3030 which is waterproof. It’s going to be an easy choice for you because you already have experience with minelab explorer 2.

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Hi, I’m looking for a simple to use detector, principally for searching my own field, and the land around the house. The land is a mix of approx 12″ topsoil over clay in parts then a large amount of sandy subsoil. I have areas of rough grass and am about to carry out a lot of groundwork so I will also be searching over loose soil. I’m a complete novice and want something I can pick up and just go without too much fiddling. I’d be happy to buy a top spec secondhand machine, or else have a sort of mental budget of £100 to £200 for a new machine, but principally it needs to be easy to use. I can also see a use for one in locating oil lines below ground, (I am a heating engineer), which could be anywhere up to 500mm below ground. I’m baffled by the choice, what would you suggest? With kind regards, Mark

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Hi Mark, I would advise you to go either with Garrett ace 150 or the improved model of it, the Garrett Ace 250. Both are in your budget and will have a good detection below ground. You can check both of the reviews at the top of this page. Those models are easy to use without having to do complicated setups. Let me know what you decided.

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Hi Steve, can you please recommend a detector for use in field terrain as well as use with wet and dry sand on the beach. I would need a detector that is reasonably light in weight as I have arthritis of the spine. Many thanks and appreciate your advice. Regards, Michael

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Hi Michael, I think there’s one metal detector to fit your needs which can stand against humidity, has a good review plus it’s lightweight with only 1.3 kg’s is the minelab x-terra 705. I included a review and I suggest you watch the videos as well to get a sense of how it is to have one.

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Hi Steve, I’m looking for a metal detector for abit of all round use, for relics and coins etc, have a budget of around £500, a friend suggested the Garrett ace 400i, but just wondered if you could help and have Amy suggestions!

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Hi Freddy, for what you are looking the Garrett Ace 400i is going to be a great choice which I highly suggest. In case you are looking for something similar, you can also compare it with the Minelab X-Terra 705 which is another great metal detector. Let me know what you’ve decided?

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Just getting into detecting and looking at the impact, what’s your thoughts.I have over 15 years in the military using vallon vmr and various gpr systems including teaching them before retiring.Looking at a hobby close to my old job of hunting IEDs but with more reword and less risk.Looking at multi terrain , mineral content and targets.Thoughts please on this new detector on the market for all terrain and and multiple countries with the usual target of ferrious and non fermions targets

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Hi Carl, Glad to see that you want to pursue your passion, that’s all about metal detecting! You have a lot of experience in the field, so in this case, I think you are in the advanced league. You want a metal detector that is ok in any type of weather, that will last you a long time and that you can take it out in multiple countries. In this specific case, I think there’s only a good fit and that’s the xp deus metal detector. It’s lightweight, it has all kinds of settings and noise reduction plus a lithium battery which lasts longer than other batteries and it can handle any type of weather.

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Hi Sian, I think you should check Garrett ACE 250, it’s a little over the budget, but I think it’s going to be worth the effort. Metal detecting hobby really depends on the metal detector and if not a good one, it can ruin the whole experience. I hope this helps, let me know what you decided?

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Hi Vas, You did your research really well and the right choice for the beach is the AT Pro, it has 5 stars from reviews. I suggest you take a look at the review and the comments for at pro model, people mentioned that it will take some time to get used to it, it’s not straight out of the box and you probably have to fine tune it for your specific needs.

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Hi Kevin, I’m glad you like it and welcome to the detectorist! I had to look into both of them and to compare each of the features and there are big similarities between them plus that they will withstand high humidity which is an important factor in the UK.

My pick between them will be the Ace 250 because it really withstood the test of time and it has so many good reviews all over the web while the Viking VK40 has almost none. There’s another factor to take into consideration, the different modes that the Ace 250 has and it’s proven to work in any environment.

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Hi Samantha, I just updated the table list and I would like to recommend you the Garret Ace 250 from there. This metal detector doesn’t require any extra training and it’s a great start for newcomers and I think your son old enough to go to a real metal detector instead of kids metal detector. Let me know what you decided Samantha.

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Hi Gareth, I’ve seen that metal detector, it’s a way to start but it really has limited capabilities. Don’t get me wrong, the detector It’s not that bad for someone new, but I think it’s quite limited in what it can do and that’s why It could ruin the whole experience for you. I suggest you give it a go, but if you really want a real metal detector that’s good for both starters and intermediary I would suggest you take Garrett ace 250 because it has more modes and it can detect more things thanks to the wide range of frequencies.

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Hi Steve, I’m a beginner looking to get my first detector and have been advised to get the Fisher F22, what are your thoughts on it or would you suggest the Garrett Ace 300i instead? I will be detecting mainly in rural Devon locations including some beach work. Many thanks, Steve

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Hi Robert, I’m really sorry to hear that you lost it, but good thinking about using a metal detector to find it. The x terra 705 which is included in the top is going to be a good one for you, using Double-D Coils you can detect gold/platinum on the higher frequency. I’m considering that the ring is not well covered by earth, if that’s the case then you will need a professional tool and for that ctx 3030 will do the trick, but it’s expensive.

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I have just acquired a working 1964-1965 “Hunter” made by Dr Charles Garrett in his garage. It comes with 3 search attachment coils, a combo 12″/5″, a 8″, and a pointer. The serial # is 5-characters and stamped, 1 G O U H. In original case. Any value to these?

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Hi Mike, just wow! You’re a lucky man, you have a piece of history in your hands. I’m not a vintage metal detector expert, but I can tell you that those do have value and that you should consider contacting an expert on that subject.

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Hi Steve, great site. I’ve been looking at. C scope cs2mx as I’m a novice are these still suitable machines, it’s a grey model!. With 17khtz. It would seem quite powerful but me being ignorant is it worth going this route. Dave

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Hi Steve I am new to metal detecting and only have a small kitty of no more than £150 pound. There are 3 I am looking at: Garret 150 Amzdeal Clarke MD1500 Whats your thoughts please, the plan is to use mainly on mountains and river banks, but also in the water and beaches.

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Hi Matthew, my personal pick is going to be Garret 150 because it’s a popular model and it has a good reputation plus that it will stand a long time. All of the 3 models are great picks, you did a really good job researching this!

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Hi Steve, thinking of getting into detecting as it’s interested me for a long time now. Got a budget of around £300-400. Will mainly be using on my local beach but will want to do countryside later too. Looking at Garrett euro ace, 400i, minelab safari or even a Fisher F5. Cheers, Steve

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Hi Steve, congratulations on your research, those 3 metal detectors are great models for what you are looking. My favorite is the 400i because I have one, but we have good reviews from our followers for the Fisher F5 as well. My advice is to go with the one that you are comfortable and to take into consideration the weight of metal detector as well. Spending a few hours on the beach with a heavy detector will make the whole experience unpleasant.

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Hi Thanks for the information and very interesting. I been reading a lot lately about metal and gold detectors and I want for east Africa in the price range of between 2000 and 2500 pounds. I never used any detector before but I been reading a lot about the subject and watching a lot videos. I am leaning to one brand that is all terrain but before I name the brand I need your advice. I need it for a dry land and mix of soil and volcanic products.

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Hi Adam, Since you mentioned that you plan to go for gold as well, I think there’s only one detector that may do a good job and that’s the ctx 3030, it’s closer to professional models but cheaper and without the headache of going thru an extensive training program. You will need some patience to fine tune it, but it will be worthy. Please let me know what you find on your journey!

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Hi everyone I use a Garrett ace 300i with the nel tornado coil never used any other detector so I Carnt say about others but this setup is very good I think I’ve had Charles the 1st halfcrown my 1st Roman coin was silver I had a jews harp the other day nice simple detector easy to use and I’ve had objects 20cm plus with it I love it….

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Thank you for your time and advice. i have wanted to buy one from my mid-teens . now in my 40s. now all bills are paid i am looking for one so this is a great help. my next thing is looking where i can go without permission many thanks . i know a few places as it is common land and lots useit

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Hi there, I’m going to buy my son a metal detector for Christmas. I’m looking for a budget one around £150. He will be using it in water but just the coil needs to be waterproof, on land and on the beach. I have read loads of reviews but they don’t seem to find what I’m looking for as I’m technically challenged and don’t understand half of it. There was one that you can use in the water on the beach as well as the water in rivers but, for the life of me, I can’t find it. However, one that can be used on land, in a river and on the dry sand at the beach will have to do then. Many thanks for any advice you can give. I’m really impressed with all the posts I’ve read here.

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Hi Steve, Been some interesting reading within this blog thanks! Thinking about getting back into the hobby after a 30+ year respite. Had a basic Savo followed by a Fieldmaster FX55. Live in the midlands so it would be mainly used in the countryside. Got a budget of £700 . Doesn’t necessarily have to be a new model. What would you recommend? Cheers Nee

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Hey, I am glad to hear that you got back into metal detecting after 30+ years, that’s an amazing story! What I would suggest it will be to go with the X-Terra 705 because it’s close to a high-end detector and you already know the basics so you won’t have to start with a beginner model.

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Hi my thoughts I personally wouldn’t buy a Garrett detector they are really made for the American market and not great on the beach. Depending on your budget I would go with either Minelab or XP Detector . If your not worried about weight get a Minelab full band spectrum machine second hand and buy some wireless headphones. You can Felcro the little receiver near the headphone jack input , charge up and away you go. If weight is a problem I would go with a XP machine again depending on your budget secondhand goldmaxx or the Deus.

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hi there i am a novice to metal detecting. Which detector would suit me i am looking for precious metals and stones. I want be able to use in all terrains and have a good range (depth) and not to complicated to use. thanks

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Hi Mohjahid, I think that’s a good question and for something like that, any mid-range detector would do. The trouble with depth is that it usually required a detector with much more batter power, but it may be tricky to set it up quite right for your needs. My advice is to get a mid-range detector and start using it in the nature to get used to it. With time, it will get only better because you will figure out how to fine tune it for your specific needs.

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Hi Steve, I’m looking to find a platinum wedding band, would the Garret Ace 250 be suitable for this task, I can also hire this or a WASP II but I think the Garret is better just want to know if it would be suitable, thanks

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Now it depends how deep it got buried and the type of soil. I think you’ll do better with a garret 400 because it’s a mid range or a gold detector, but that could go in the range of $x,xxx range for a good one.

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Hi Daniel, I’m glad you mentioned the magic word “upgrade”, I think it’s better to save some cash for something better like a 400i because it comes with extra perks such as bigger depth, more modes, and overall a better experience.

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